Senate President Godswill Akpabio claimed the outgoing Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, turned on his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, despite the latter being essential to his emergence as governor.
Speaking during a debate on the floor of the Senate, Akpabio said: “The man you brought in as governor (Obaseki) has turned against you and against democracy.”
Responding, Oshiomhole said: “Just for the record, I didn’t bring him in; he was elected, but I supported him, just the way you supported Governor Udom.”
Oshiomhole made Obaseki’s emergence as governor possible in 2016 despite the views and recommendations of the leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The APC leaders had decided for his then-deputy, Pius Odubu, or another politician as a successor.
With Oshiomhole’s support, Obaseki defeated Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Two years into Obaseki’s tenure, party leaders expressed unhappiness with Obaseki for not including them in his administration.
The problem got to Oshiomhole, whose peace effort failed as Obaseki pledged never to allow a godfather to dictate to him or blackmail him.
Obaseki’s declaration sparked the Cold War between the couple.
Before the 2024 governorship election, Obaseki had asked Oshiomhole to mend bridges in the interest of his candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who finally lost the contest.
